SUPPRESSION OF BRAIN-STEM REFLEXES IN BARBITURATE COMA

Brainstem reflexes were examined in 23 children treated with thiopento ne infusion and correlated with serum thiopentone concentrations. The results suggest that if all brainstem reflexes are lost with a serum t hiopentone concentration less than 40 mg/l, it is unlikely to be due t o the thiopentone alone. Other causes including brain death need to be considered.